I am a Jesus pusher!!! “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Matthew 5:10). Jesus highlights the absolute certainty of persecution. In writing to Timothy, Paul speaks of two men, Jannes and Jambres in the Old Testament who evidently were the magicians or sorcerers of Pharaoh in Egypt. They resisted the truth and stood against Moses, but made no progress. But Timothy did not respond like these magicians of old. He carefully followed Paul’s doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions (2 Timothy 3:10-11). Timothy saw how Jesus delivered Paul in each case. Then Paul declares to Timothy, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
In Galatians, Paul gives the example of Isaac. He is a “child of promise” and is an example for us. But there is one who was born according to the flesh. Paul concludes, “But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now” (Galatians 4:29). Paul traces this back to the days of Abraham and his two sons. His son who was born of Hagar is born of the flesh. His son who was born of Sarah is born of the Spirit. They war against each other; they are not the same. Persecution is inevitable. Is Jesus worth it? All suffering is overshadowed by His indwelling presence. I am a Jesus pusher!!!